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Risk and security in childbirth

Tone Kringeland1, Anders Möller

  • 1Stord/Haugesund University College, Norway. tone.kringeland@hsh.no

Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|January 18, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Understanding risk in childbirth is crucial. Risk and security perceptions vary, influenced by social factors, impacting clinical practice and patient preferences in pregnancy.

Area of Science:

  • Medical sociology
  • Risk analysis
  • Maternal health

Background:

  • Risk and security are often viewed as complementary, with security relying on evolving risk calculations.
  • Increasing medical detection of abnormalities leads to more individuals being classified as 'at risk'.
  • The concept of risk is particularly complex in the context of childbirth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the multifaceted notion of risk as applied to childbirth.
  • To explore differing general and professional perspectives on acceptable risk in pregnancy.
  • To analyze the social and cultural determination of normalcy versus complications in childbirth.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of risk and security in obstetrics.
  • Exploration of differing viewpoints on acceptable risk.
  • Examination of the influence of social, cultural, and symbolic systems on risk perception.

Main Results:

  • Perspectives on risk and acceptable levels differ significantly between the public and healthcare professionals.
  • The association between normalcy and complications in childbirth is socially and culturally constructed.
  • Current questioning of medicalism and paternalism has had limited impact on clinical practice.

Conclusions:

  • Risk and security in pregnancy and childbirth are not objective but are embedded in symbolic systems.
  • Alternative and dialogic approaches to risk are emerging but not yet integrated into practice.
  • Childbearing women's preferences must be considered, necessitating open dialogue with healthcare providers about uncertainties.

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